One thing the Eagles didn't want to do this offseason was overspend on free-agent safeties, even though that was a position of weakness for them last season.

That attitude likely will carry over to next month's NFL Draft, where they could well pluck another safety in one of the first three rounds but do not plan to reach for one if he's not ranked higher than everyone else left on their board when it comes time to pull the trigger on their picks.

Besides, the Eagles and most other teams have believed for years that's it's usually a bad idea to draft safeties in the first round. Safeties are made, not born. They can be converted from cornerback and defective instincts can be fixed with coaching easier than with other positions.

That said, it would be a surprise if the Eagles, who signed free-agent safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos to replace the departed Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson and Patrick Chung and then re-signed Nate Allen, don't do something with this position on the second or third day of the draft.

Here's a look at three who could be values if they fall to them in the mid to late rounds.

1. Ed Reynolds, Stanford. Not only does he come from Eagles coach Chip Kelly's conference of choice (Pac-12), but he possesses Kelly's size preference at 6-2, 210. What's more, he's just as good against the run as he is vs. the pass. He did miss all of 2011 with an ACL tear, but apparently has completely recovered. If Reynolds is still around when the Eagles come due to pick in the fourth round, how could they pass him up?

2. Dontae Johnson, North Carolina State. Former teammate of Eagles second-year safety Earl Wolff has elite size (6-2, 200) and speed (4.45 in 40-yard dash) to go with versatility. He started five games at cornerback last season. Projected as a fifth- or sixth-round picks by most experts, he's an athlete who looks like he can help.

3. Brock Vereen, Minnesota. According to CBSSports, Vereen has a high football IQ who "already carries himself like a professional. Tough and competitive in nature, getting the most out of his ability." Though 6-0, his wingspan is not thought to be ideal. And he needs to polish his fundamentals. That's where all the extra reps that come with this team's fast-paced practices could help. Would be a very sensible seventh-round pick, maybe even a sixth-rounder.